USC strengthens hold on top-ranked recruiting class with JUCO commit

The USC Trojans have secured a commitment from Josiah Jefferson, the nation’s top-ranked JUCO tight end. The 6'5", 230-pound standout had previously been committed to Utah but flipped to USC following a persistent recruiting push led by wide receivers coach Chad Savage.

Jefferson ranks as the No. 8 overall JUCO prospect in the 2026 class and the No. 3 player from the state of California. A native of Chula Vista, he attended Mater Dei Catholic High School and is currently enrolled at Southwestern College. USC was one of 11 programs to offer Jefferson and one of four schools he officially visited, joining Oklahoma, Utah, and Arizona.

Impact on the 2026 Recruiting Class

Jefferson becomes the Trojans’ 35th commitment in the 2026 class and the second tight end addition, joining five-star Mater Dei standout Mark Bowman. His commitment provides USC with additional momentum and some separation from Georgia as the Bulldogs continue to challenge for the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class. The Trojans are now firmly positioned to contend for the 2026 recruiting crown, which would make them the first non-SEC program to capture the title in the NIL era.

Class Outlook

The Trojans are in a prime position to finish the cycle with the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation. USC has consistently held or hovered near the top of the class rankings throughout the cycle, and with signing day approaching at season’s end, the program has maintained its No. 1 spot through the first half of the year. If the Trojans can close out the regular season strong and remain a central part of the national conversation, they’ll be well on their way to securing the 2026 recruiting title.

The start to Lincoln Riley's tenure at USC has been underwhelming and his roster didn't appear ready for the challenge of the Big Ten in 2024, especially in the trenches. However, rather than look for short-term solutions in the transfer portal, Riley has doubled-down on high school recruiting, and the early returns have been fantastic.

If Riley is going to turn his tenure around, it'll likely be on the back of his loaded 2026 class.